Most individuals and families are seeking financial security.  But financial security is a nebulous term.  We all put a different price tag on it.  For some people to be financially secure it would require a large nest egg stashed away some place, for others it might require a debt free existence, and yet for others money to send their children to college.  Researchers from the University of Missouri found that perceived adequacy of family income contributed more to satisfaction with life than did the family's actual income.  Whatever your definition of financial security the following six steps can help you reach it.

 Step 1: Fix in your mind exactly what it will take to make you financially secure. Clearly identify the amount of savings, property, income or employment that will make you financially secure.  If you will write out what is needed for you to be financially secure, you are on the way toward achieving your goal.

Step 2:  Determine exactly what you are willing to give up in return for your desired goal of financial security.    Are you willing to give up free time, delayed purchases, recreation, and vacations? 

Step 3:  Set a specific date for reaching your financial goal.  Picture in your mind that date and see your self having achieved financial security as you defined it.  Talk about your goal to a few select people who will encourage you as you work to achieve it.

Step 4:  Develop a plan for reaching your goal.  Break your plan in to small pieces.  For instance if your goal may is to accumulate a $100,000 nest egg, you will need to set smaller goals.  This year you may be able to accumulate $500 to $1000 toward the goal.   Invest this money then next year accumulate another $500 to $1000.

Your goal might be a college degree or an advanced degree.  A first step would be to review colleges or university catalogs and to apply for admission to the institution of your choice.  Then follow that step by enrolling for a course.  

Once you have made a plan, act on it immediately.  Begin saving money for your nest egg or begin collecting information on colleges.  There will never be a better time to start than now.

Step 5:  Write out your goal.  Write in a clear concise statement of what you intend to accomplish and by what date you intend to do it.  Write out your plan in small steps.  You will save X amount by December 2001 or by December 2001 you will have been admitted to the college or university of your choice.

Step 6:  Read the statement of your goal at least once each day and check your progress.  What have you done today to move you toward accomplishing your goal?    As you read it, see yourself having achieved it.  What you repeat to yourself you will soon learn to believe, and believing you can do it is half of the battle.  Remember a winning attitude is an important part of obtaining any goal.